Self Drive roadtrip around Lake Victoria
Deciding to embark on a 4×4 self drive around Lake Victoria safari surely awaits you on lots of incredible experiences with your travel partners.
This unique one of a kind road trip around Lake Victoria that you can decide to start in any of the closest countries is renown and popular amongst travelers looking forward to exploring so much around the boundaries of this lake.
Lake Victoria is the largest fresh water lake in Africa and happens to be the sole reservoir of the longest flowing river in the world, the Nile. The amazing self drive around Lake Victoria road trip takes you through the amazing savannahs, lush green rainforests and the diverse landscapes surrounding this amazing lake.
Besides the amazing topography, this Lake Victoria self drive adventure from Uganda gives you bustling expeditions of the innumerable cities that surround Lake Victoria, wonderfully endowed National Parks and the serene Lakeside retreats together with your loved ones.
This great safari tours you through Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. There are over 20 interesting routes that you can easily follow self drive in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania though the following are the easiest and navigable.
Navigable routes of the self drive around Lake Victoria circuit adventure
The following are the most iconic routes that will give you a splendid adventure with your loved ones as you self drive around Lake Victoria. They are a combination of highways and off road tracks.
Entebbe to Kampala
The most memorable start for this self drive around Lake Victoria circuit is from Entebbe city. This area is beautifully endowed with amazing sceneries and spots such as the Botanical gardens and the UWEC (Uganda Wildlife Education Center).
After here you shall travel approximately 37 KM North East to Kampala city. While in Kampala you shall have a tour to the many nice places such as the Kasubi tombs, Uganda national Museum, Marty’s shrine, etc.
Kampala to the source of the Nile in Jinja
This route stretches east about 85 Kilometers from the capital. It’s a neat highway drive that presents you plenty of shrugged and swampy vegetation sceneries on your 4×4 Uganda self drive around Lake Victoria.
There are quite a number of amazing accommodation and things to do in Jinja such as exploring the source of the Nile, boat cruise safaris, white water rafting, bungee jumping, quad bike rides, Jinja city walks, and so much more.
Jinja to Mbale city
After the trip to Jinja, you shall then proceed further east to Mbale, passing through beautiful cities and towns along this 148 kilometer trail, including Tororo town.
In Tororo you shall see the Tororo rock, Tororo rock peak and so much more. In Mbale, there are a few attractions such as the Sipi falls, Mountain Elgon National Park, Nyero rock paintings and so much more.
Mbale city to Kisumu (Kenya)
The self drive around Lake Victoria continues to Kenya at Kisumu, approximately a 200 kilometer stretch. You shall be cleared at Busia border before you drive south east to Kisumu.
Kisumu port is an iconic avenue around Lake Victoria that has a vibrant and scintillating experience with nice lakeside scenes. The notable tourist attractions in Kisumu include the Kisumu Impala sanctuary and the Dunga hill.
While in Kisumu, you can as well choose to proceed to Masai Mara game reserve where you can see the big five animals, the great wildebeest migration and more
Kisumu to Musoma (Tanzania)
This route includes a stop off at the Isebania border. The Isebania border is a crossing point for people going to Tanzania and coming from Kenya. In whole, the journey to Musoma stretches to about 235 Km south east of Lake Victoria.
In Musoma, you shall observe plenty of amazing camping spots and engaging in many activities such as the boat cruise safaris, bird watching escapades, nature walks and so many more fascinating activities.
Before driving to Musoma, your road trip is incomplete if you do not visit Serengeti National Park – Tanzania’s prime destination. It has a lot of stunning features plus various species of wildlife animals that will make your trip memorable.
Musoma to Mwanza
Mwanza is about 120 km far from port Musoma. Port Mwanza is a very famous port in north east Tanzania, renowned as a rock city. It’s believed that this city’s rocks are as a result of granite formations.
There are many trading markets at Mwanza, artistic sceneries the likes of the Bismarck rocks and a wildlife conservation park renowned as the Rubondo Island. You shall truly enjoy your stay at Mwanza.
Mwanza to Bukoba
After the busy Mwanza port, you shall then continue your self drive around Lake Victoria circuit to yet another interesting port, Bukoba. It is located around 280km North West of Mwanza.
This is a not so much urbanized port and surrounded with calm villages and hospitable citizens. The place has neat beaches, organized fish markets and plenty of places to tour on a community walk with your partners.
Bukoba to Masaka (Uganda)
The next spot on your 4×4 self drive Uganda adventure on your Lake Victoria circuit is Masaka town, back in Uganda. Before crossing back you shall be cleared at the customs office at Mutukula border.
Along this hefty 140 km journey, you shall observe plenty of busy markets and diverse landscapes, plus neat set beaches especially the Nabugabo beach in Masaka town renowned for hikes and fishing activities.
Masaka town to Entebbe airport
Along this route back to Entebbe, you shall cover approximately 140 km. There are some notable towns along the way renowned for wonderful tourist attractions such as Kayabwe, Mpigi and Lukaya.
In Kayabwe, you shall get HD pics and expedition of the equator crossing point, where’s in Lukaya you will get amazed by the busy road toll market, and in Mpigi a lion sanctuary awaits you.
Gently continue to the airport to mark the end of the amazing self drive around Lake Victoria circuit adventure.
While in Uganda, if you still do have time you can go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, visit Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking and more other destinations.
Self Drive around Lake Victoria cars with rooftop tent
There are many types of cars for rent in Uganda that you can choose for this adventure. However the most ideal cars are the all-wheel drive prototypes since they are the best self drive cars for hire in Uganda for this adventure. These include:
Land cruiser VX series
This is the best 4×4 self drive Uganda car to opt for in the luxury class. It has the strong accredited v8 engine renowned for beast mode performances. In addition it has good interior, advanced safety systems, great ground clearance, etc.
Land Cruiser TX/TZ series
The TX emerges as the most sought for 4×4 Land cruiser that suits all types of travelers looking for great Uganda wildlife safaris. It is well raised, has 7 seats, handles very well, 4×4 drive train, fuel efficient, and the best option for solo or couples traveling together.
Land Cruiser GX series
For the manual lovers, the GX (usually known as the amazon) is available for hire. This off road beast offers you lots of amazing performance in the wild, with a good fuel economy, nice capacious interior, 4×4 system plus much more.
The other amazing cars for your self drive around Lake Victoria circuit include the Toyota Hilux surf, Hilux Vigo, Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Pajero, etc.
Top Practical tips for travelers embarking on a Lake Victoria circuit
As you prepare to set soil in Uganda and embark on this safari, kindly note that you comprehend at least a few of the many travel tips on enjoying this one of a kind Lake Victoria round trip expedition.
Travel with a 4×4 vehicle
The routes around Lake Victoria are a bit rugged and off road terraced. This shall require you to use a 4×4 car for better movement.
Border crossing requirements
At all the different borders you shall encounter on the circuit you shall be required to present your passports, vehicle documents, COMESA slip.
Local guidance
For a deep integration of what the places offer, we recommend you hire a local guide to give you a detailed tour wherever you decide to go.
Accommodation
You ought to choose only the best and affordable hotels, lodges and camp sites within your budget.